15-Minute Weeknight Vegetarian Meal
I get it. I have two kids, three dogs, a (wonderful) husband who travels, and am CEO of a small business with 16 employees. Time is an ISSUE. But, having lost my lovely mama way too soon to cancer, and having practiced medicine for 10 years, I also believe health is an issue. And a privilege. And...a commitment.
So, even when it feels like you have no time, take 15 minutes to make this easy, vegetarian dinner. Actually, since I've done it a few times, it took me eight minutes tonight—not even kidding. I keep these ingredients on hand most of the time so I can whip this up even when I'm exhausted and something less healthy feels tempting. This simple, weeknight meal is easy to modify, great for kids, and requires zero thinking. Even the cleanup is minimal, I promise! The recipe below is for about four servings, so adjust quantities as needed depending on how many mouths you're feeding!
Ingredients:
Two cups frozen, organic brown rice (the kind that is already cooked and only needs heating)
One can organic black beans, rinsed and drained
One cup frozen, organic corn
One cup frozen, shelled edamame or green peas
5-10 pieces of kale, rinsed, stemmed and coarsely chopped
One cup organic cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
3-4 T olive oil (I sometimes use garlic-infused olive oil)
One avocado
1-2 T salsa or hot sauce
Optional:
Sprinkles of cilantro
Grated organic cheese
Dollop of high-protein greek yogurt
Instructions:
Heat the olive oil gently in a pan. Add rice and stir to coat, then add beans, corn, edamame and/or peas. Sautee over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, then toss in the kale and tomatoes and continue on low heat until the kale is bright green and softened slightly. Spoon into bowls and add sliced avocado, salsa, and any other toppings that tickle your fancy. Seriously, that's the whole story. In fact, my border collie is looking at me suspiciously, because it took less time than it did to prepare her dinner tonight.
Remember, food is fuel for all the dreams you want to chase, and your body can only support you when you give it good fuel.
With love and beans and rice from us to you,
